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The '''Baloch Liberation Army''' ('''BLA''') is a ] tribal organisation. At the moment, sovereignty over the region is split between ], ] and ]. The indigenous population are known as the ], who typically follow the ] school of ] and speak either ] or ]. The region also includes the ] population who are of the ] origin but culturally similar to the Baloch, they speak Brahui as well as the Baloch language. The stated goals of the organisation include driving the Pakistani and Iranian military personnel currently present in the territory out, and the establishment of a sovereign Baloch government. The name Baloch Liberation Army first became public in summer 2000, after the organisation claimed credit for a series of bomb attacks. In 2006, the BLA was declared to be a terrorist organisation by the Pakistani and British governments.<ref>'''', Katherine Baldwin, ], ], ]. Last accessed ], ]</ref> The '''Baloch Liberation Army''' ('''BLA''') is a organisation. At the moment, sovereignty over the region is split between ], ] and ]. The indigenous population are known as the ], who typically follow the ] school of ] and speak either ] or ]. The stated goals of the organisation include driving the Pakistani and Iranian military personnel currently present in the territory out, and the establishment of a sovereign Baloch government. The name Baloch Liberation Army first became public in summer 2000, after the organisation claimed credit for a series of bomb attacks. In 2006, the BLA was declared to be a terrorist organisation by the Pakistani and British governments.<ref>'''', Katherine Baldwin, ], ], ]. Last accessed ], ]</ref>


==Leadership== ==Leadership==
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==Actions by the Baloch Liberation Army== ==Actions by the Baloch Liberation Army==
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD6hZAwUFbM Baloch Liberation Army targets a pakistani army truck.
⚫ June, 2000: A number of bombs were detonated by BLA activists in the commercial district of ], the provincial capital of Pakistani Balochistan, an area often frequented by the Pakistani military personnel. The explosions resulted in the deaths of 26 soldiers and 5 civilians, and the wounding of many others. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0kQp-c-UY BLA training video, in the mountains of Balochistan.
⚫ * July, 2000: Fifteen 82-] ] shells were fired from the ] mountain range near Quetta, targeting the city's military garrison. No official casualty report was issued by the Pakistani military to the press in Balochistan. Pakistani army garrison at Quetta is blocked by checkpoints no civilian can enter it, it is a big area almost 10 Sq miles.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibzowpIZHUc BLA targets a pakistani army pick-up truck in Karmo-Wad area of Balochistan, with remote control bomb.
⚫ * Numerous deaths of Pakistani soldiers have resulted from ]s planted by BLA.<ref>, Syed Irfan Raza, ], ], ]. Last accessed ], ].</ref>
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjIviCWiE6w BLA targets pakistani army truck and ambushs the rescue team.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xpagDaQDWE An "Al Jazaeera English's" short report on the war of independence in eastern(pakistani occupied) Balochistan.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKS9TfBVHyQ BLA camps in eastern Balochistan.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DlKERsayVE Baloch freedom fighters capture Dilband iron mines from pakistani control.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6dC6FcjfiE Baloch freedom fighters attack pakistani-punjabi army post with BM-12 rockets in Nushkay,eastern Balochistan.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLqSrZ6_Iow pakistani Cobra gunship helicopter attacks Baloch villages in Kahan, December 2005.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bohbWIPdBOM American supplied F-16 jets to pakistan are bombing Baloch villages in Balochistan.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMmPEdUG1pk pakistani jets bombing Baloch civilian areas.
* May, 2000: The organisation claimed credit for three ]ings of government facilities, including the office of the ] in Pakistani Balochistan. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
⚫ * June, 2000: A number of bombs were detonated by BLA terrorists in the commercial district of ], the provincial capital of Pakistani Balochistan, an area often frequented by the Pakistani military personnel. The explosions resulted in the deaths of 26 soldiers and 5 civilians, and the wounding of many others. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
⚫ * July, 2000: Fifteen 82-] ] shells were fired from the ] mountain range near Quetta, targeting the city's military garrison. No official casualty report was issued by the Pakistani military to the press in Balochistan. Pakistani army garrison at Quetta is blocked by check ponts no civilian can enter it, it is a big area almost 10 Sq miles.
⚫ * Numerous deaths of Pakistani soldiers have resulted from ]s planted by BLA.<ref>'''', Syed Irfan Raza, ], ], ]. Last accessed ], ].</ref>


* Date 18-8-06.Asaap<ref></ref> newspaper reported that on Thursday ] Pakistani army was conducting a search operation against BLA fighters 12 kilometres away from Karmo Wadh, near Sibi. At the time of operation Pakistani forces came under heavy barrage of rocket fire from Baloch fighters, in which three Pakistani soldiers were killed and seven became wounded. Names of the killed soldiers who died on the spot are NCO Amjad Ali, NCO Tasawer Hussen and NCO Matloob Hussen. Names of the critically wounded soldiers: Major Qaiser, Hawaldar Anser, Corporal Mudser Hussen, NCO Majid Hussen, NCO Ishfaq Ahmed, NCO Janzeb and NCO Ashraf, all the wounded were shifted to CMH (Combined Military Hospital) Hospital Sibi. In another such incident 40 kilometres away from Sangsila at Bambore-Top, Dera Bugti area. When Pakistani soldiers were digging trenches on Bambore-Top suddenly a landmine blasted with a big bang. In which Naib Subedar Kashmir Afridi and NCO Abdul Khaliq Afridi died on the spot, and five soldiers were critically wounded (names of the wounded were not confirmed). * Date 18-8-06.Asaap,http://asaappublications.com , newspaper reported that on Thursday ] Pakistani army was conducting a search operation against BLA fighters 12 kilometers away from Karmo Wadh, near Sibi. At the time of operation Pakistani forces came under heavy barrage of rocket fire from Baloch fighters, in which three Pakistani soldiers were killed and seven became wounded. Names of the killed soldiers who died on the spot are NCO Amjad Ali, NCO Tasawer Hussen and NCO Matloob Hussen. Names of the critically wounded soldiers: Major Qaiser, Hawaldar Anser, Corporal Mudser Hussen, NCO Majid Hussen, NCO Ishfaq Ahmed, NCO Janzeb and NCO Ashraf, all the wounded were shifted to CMH (Combined Military Hospital) Hospital Sibi. In another such incident 40 kilometers away from Sangsila at Bambore-Top, Dera Bugti area. When Pakistani soldiers were digging trenches on Bambore-Top suddenly a landmine blasted with a big bang. In which Naib Subedar Kashmir Afridi and NCO Abdul Khaliq Afridi died on the spot, and five soldiers were critically wounded (names of the wounded were not confirmed).
Note: Bambore is a mountain located in the east of Sibi and north of Dera Bugti. Top is an English word used by Pakistani army.<br> Note: Bambore is a mountain located in the east of Sibi and north of Dera Bugti. Top is an English word used by Pakistani army.<br>
* News, 25,August,2006. Four tribal militants were killed on Friday as security forces used helicopter gunships to launch another operation in parts of Kohlu district. Two members of the security forces were also killed while an officer was injured. Reports reaching here from Kohlu said the security forces moved in to Karmo Wadh and Tartani areas near Kahan and used helicopter gunships to attack militants? hideouts. The operation was launched two days ago, they added. * News, 25,August,2006. Four tribal militants were killed on Friday as security forces used helicopter gunships to launch another operation in parts of Kohlu district. Two members of the security forces were also killed while an officer was injured. Reports reaching here from Kohlu said the security forces moved in to Karmo Wadh and Tartani areas near Kahan and used helicopter gunships to attack militants? hideouts. The operation was launched two days ago, they added.
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Azad Baloch, a spokesman for the banded Balochistan Liberation Army, told newsmen at the Quetta Press Club on telephone from an unknown place that armed militants were resisting the attacks. Azad Baloch, a spokesman for the banded Balochistan Liberation Army, told newsmen at the Quetta Press Club on telephone from an unknown place that armed militants were resisting the attacks.
He claimed that over a dozen security personnel had been killed and many others injured in the area. He also claimed killing FC men in a landmine explosion in Kamo Wadh area. He claimed that over a dozen security personnel had been killed and many others injured in the area. He also claimed killing FC men in a landmine explosion in Kamo Wadh area.
However, official sources did not confirm any casualties to the security forces.<ref></ref> However, official sources did not confirm any casualties to the security forces. News from, http://www.dawn.com/2006/08/26/top9.htm"
* News, 29, May,2007. Dozens of blasts in ] which disabled the railway links with the rest of the country were claimed by the BLA,<ref></ref>. * News, 29, May,2007. Over dozens of blasts in the ] which disable the railway links with the rest of the country were climed by '''BLA''', http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=nw20070529090026780C489518".


==References== ==References==

Revision as of 19:41, 11 April 2008

Balochistan Liberation Army
Baloch Ajoee Lashkar
File:Unknown
LeadersUnknown
IdeologyBaloch nationalism.
Statusunknown

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a organisation. At the moment, sovereignty over the region is split between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The indigenous population are known as the Baloch, who typically follow the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam and speak either Balochi or Brahui. The stated goals of the organisation include driving the Pakistani and Iranian military personnel currently present in the territory out, and the establishment of a sovereign Baloch government. The name Baloch Liberation Army first became public in summer 2000, after the organisation claimed credit for a series of bomb attacks. In 2006, the BLA was declared to be a terrorist organisation by the Pakistani and British governments.

Leadership

Members of the BLA are from the Baloch community, some believe that 50% percent of fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army members are from the Marri tribe and the rest is other Balochs from all over Balochistan.

File:Balachmarri.jpg
Balach Marri

Regarding the leadership of the BLA, no one knows that who heads this clandestine network of Baloch guerillas. Some believe that Mir Balach Marri, son of Baloch tribal leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, was the head of the BLA but Balach denied this, stating he knew of the BLA but he is not their chief but supports them morally and physically. Balach Marri survived an attack by Pakistani Special Service Group (SSG) on 26 August 2006, in which another well-known Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was killed. In addition to Balach Marri, the grandsons of Akbar Khan Bugti, Brahamdagh Khan Bugti and Mir Aley also survived. However, Balach Marri was killed in another attack on November 21, 2007.

Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was buried at Dera Bugti in a private ceremony.

Mir Balaach Marri, the perceived head of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), was killed on 20 November 2007, his killing triggered a wave of violence in Balochistan and led to broad condemnation, Benazir Bhutto said the killing was “a bad omen for the integrity of the Federation”, whilst the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said "the incident was likely to increase the anger of the people of Balochistan against the Pakistan Government". The cause and location of his death are unknown. There are at least three locations quoted for the incident, ranging from Helmand province in Afghanistan (in a mistaken NATO airstrike), to the Pak-Afghan border in the Nushki area, to Kahan area in Kohlu district in the Marri tribal area, the latter two at the hands of the Pakistani security forces, his killing sparked a wave of violence in Quetta. Although a BLA spokesman confirmed the killing of the BLA commander, he was reluctant to give out any further information as to location or how many of his comrades may have been killed with him, for fear, he said, of compromising the safety of other BLA fighters.

Allegations of Terrorism

The Balochistan Liberation Army has been listed as an organisation that funds, and promotes terrorism. On 17 July 2006 the government of the United Kingdom listed the BLA as a terrorist outfit and banned their members from the UK. The group has also been listed a terror group by MIPT Terrorism Knowledge base, an organisation funded by the US Dept. for homeland Security. Due to BLA's designation as a terrorist organisation by the British Home Office, any member associated with the group is barred from entering the UK.

Actions by the Baloch Liberation Army

  • Date 18-8-06.Asaap,http://asaappublications.com , newspaper reported that on Thursday 17 August Pakistani army was conducting a search operation against BLA fighters 12 kilometers away from Karmo Wadh, near Sibi. At the time of operation Pakistani forces came under heavy barrage of rocket fire from Baloch fighters, in which three Pakistani soldiers were killed and seven became wounded. Names of the killed soldiers who died on the spot are NCO Amjad Ali, NCO Tasawer Hussen and NCO Matloob Hussen. Names of the critically wounded soldiers: Major Qaiser, Hawaldar Anser, Corporal Mudser Hussen, NCO Majid Hussen, NCO Ishfaq Ahmed, NCO Janzeb and NCO Ashraf, all the wounded were shifted to CMH (Combined Military Hospital) Hospital Sibi. In another such incident 40 kilometers away from Sangsila at Bambore-Top, Dera Bugti area. When Pakistani soldiers were digging trenches on Bambore-Top suddenly a landmine blasted with a big bang. In which Naib Subedar Kashmir Afridi and NCO Abdul Khaliq Afridi died on the spot, and five soldiers were critically wounded (names of the wounded were not confirmed).

Note: Bambore is a mountain located in the east of Sibi and north of Dera Bugti. Top is an English word used by Pakistani army.

  • News, 25,August,2006. Four tribal militants were killed on Friday as security forces used helicopter gunships to launch another operation in parts of Kohlu district. Two members of the security forces were also killed while an officer was injured. Reports reaching here from Kohlu said the security forces moved in to Karmo Wadh and Tartani areas near Kahan and used helicopter gunships to attack militants? hideouts. The operation was launched two days ago, they added.

Militants have also claimed inflicting big losses on the security forces. Azad Baloch, a spokesman for the banded Balochistan Liberation Army, told newsmen at the Quetta Press Club on telephone from an unknown place that armed militants were resisting the attacks. He claimed that over a dozen security personnel had been killed and many others injured in the area. He also claimed killing FC men in a landmine explosion in Kamo Wadh area. However, official sources did not confirm any casualties to the security forces. News from, http://www.dawn.com/2006/08/26/top9.htm"

References

  1. "Four groups banned under anti-terrorism law", Katherine Baldwin, The Scotsman, 17 July, 2006. Last accessed 18 July, 2006
  2. BLA chief killed near Pak-Afghan border - The news
  3. Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti's Funeral (BBC) 31 December 2003
  4. Top Baloch rebel leader 'killed' - BBC News, 21 November 2007
  5. Protests in Balochistan over BLA leader’s killing - The Hindu
  6. Benazir Bhutto condemns murder of Balaach Marri Says it is bad omen for the federation
  7. HRCP strongly denounces killing of Balach Marri Top News India
  8. IntelliBriefs: International Kashmir Alliance condemn the killing of Balach Mari
  9. Balach’s killing condemned
  10. Balach Marri killed: Violence in Quetta, schools closed - Dawn Pakistan
  11. Balach Marri's death adds to uncertainty in Balochistan - The Pulse
  12. Balach Marri’s killing - National Baloch Media Network
  13. "Four groups banned under anti-terrorism law", Katherine Baldwin, The Scotsman, 17 July, 2006. Last accessed 18 July, 2006
  14. "Militant Islamist groups banned under terror law", Richard Ford, Timesonline, 18 July, 2006
  15. BLA Profile - "MIPT Terrorism Knowledge base"
  16. "British Home Office: Proscribed terror groups"
  17. "BLA declared terrorist organisation, banned", Syed Irfan Raza, Dawn, April 10, 2006. Last accessed July 18, 2006.

See also

External links

Reports from BBC

Clashes at Baloch tribal memorial

Pakistan kills '21 Baloch rebels'

Baloch rebels reject army claims

Pakistan kills '25 Baloch rebels'

The world according to the Baloch

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